The 3
rd annual Bouncing
Buns 7K trail race was held at the “Clothing Optional” Sunny Rest Resort in
Palmerton, PA
on
Saturday, June 23, 2012.
The race continues to grow each year. There were 46 finishers in 2010, 105 in
2011, and 145 finishing this year. It supports the Cancer Society and is a
great way to enjoy nature. The race is managed and timed by
www.pretzelcitysports.com. It’s run
on well marked and well groomed trails entirely within the resorts 190 acres. The
course starts and finishes in front of the owner, Myra Mesher’s house. It does
a short loop on the road, and then makes its way into the woods at the top of
the only steep hill. It is approximately 75% shaded on single and double track
trails. There are a few spots where the rhododendron bushes form long tunnels
the runners pass through. The last mile winds its way around the camping area
with plenty of spectators cheering on the runners as they bounce along.
With temperatures in the 90s, the mid-way
water station was well appreciated and participants passed it in each
direction. There was also a gentleman spraying runners with his hose cool us
down prior to the last hill sprint to the finish. Approximately 80% of this
years participants were partially or completely nude as were the spectators.
Participants came from 9 states, as well as Canada and Brazil. Ages ranged
from 19 to 68 years young with a ratio of 30% female/70% male.
The resort offers motel rooms,
tent, camper, and RV sites. There are a number of cabins available for seasonal
stays for members as well as a few year-round homes on site. Race participants
and their guests have full use of the facilities on race day. While the race
was conducted on the hill, the awards were handed out beside the pool. While the
resort is “clothing optional”, no swim wear is allowed in the pool or hot. Most
participants stayed for the BBQ after the awards and listened to the live
music.
Resort amenities include nature
trails, heated swimming pool, heated conversation pool, sand volleyball, bar
and restaurant next to the pool, couples massage, fitness room, hot tub, night
club, tennis courts, yoga classes, basketball, billiards, ping pong, children’s
playground, and store. Sunny Rest Resort opened in 1945 and is a
family-friendly resort. They have events every weekend from mid-May to
mid-September. Events include such things as Murder Mystery and Dinner Show,
volleyball (sand and water) and tennis tournaments, Beer Festival, dive-in
movies at the pool, live and DJ music, poolside “Grillin’ and Chillin’ BBQ,
karaoke and open mike nights, costume and theme nights in the night club, and
much more. For more information on events, rates, and directions visit them at
www.sunnyrest.com. Until next years race,
take it off and go for a run.
